Tamales have become a tradition for Hispanic families in the United States who unite in their preparation and never lack for them on their tables at Christmastime.

“Making tamales during Christmas is always a special time for us,” Virginia Calsada-Medina, an expert in gourmet tamales in southeastern California’s Imperial County, told Efe.

“That’s because we not only have the chance to enjoy delicious tamales, but it also gives us the chance to celebrate our culture and spend a little time with our family and friends,” she added.

Calsada-Medina, the principal of Calipatria High School, and her family once a year set up Grandma Lupe’s Authentic Tamales stall at the International Tamale Festival in nearby Indio, California.